Common Core Will Save Not Cost Billions

Common Core State Standards lift expectations and create opportunity to compare results and share tools—a terrific set of benefits that America will reap for years.

Fordham released a report today on the Cost of Implementing the Common Core.  They concluded that states could save about $1 billion if they take full advantage of digital assessments and materials.

In her coverage, Catherine Gewertz of EdWeek, feels obligated to give airtime to the boneheaded Pioneer report that claims the Common Core will cost billions.  They suggest that the cost of shifting from print to digital should be allocated to the cost of adopting the Common Core—an illogical position.  The two happen to be roughly coincident, but the shift to digital can and will produce its own ROI—the benefits of the Common Core just makes it all the more attractive to make the shift over the next 36 months.

Like iPhone, the Common Core is a platform for innovation.  Like iPhone apps, new content and tools will be built and shared on this powerful platform.  The Common Core will result in better content and tools, will save districts and states millions, and most importantly create clear college and career ready expectations for American students.